Defense prepares for nation's top rusher

Air Force is coming off a 28-23 win over New Mexico during which it surrendered 409 yards rushing, including a Mountain West Conference record 338 yards to running back Kasey Carrier.

So how much worse can it get for Troy Calhoun's defense?

Plenty.

The Falcons (4-3, 2-1 Mountain West) now face a Nevada (6-2, 3-1) offense that has scored at least 31 points per game and features the nation's top rusher in junior Stefphon Jefferson. Jefferson is averaging 156 yards rushing game and has scored 15 touchdowns, including an NCAA-record tying seven in one game against Hawaii.

"I'm pretty sure his mouth is watering," Calhoun told the Colorado Springs Gazette. "He deserves to be the No. 1 back in the country. He has great power. He breaks a ton of tackles, and he's elusive. He should be a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Compounding the problem for the Falcons is that the game is on Friday night which gives them one less day to prepare. Air Force also has been battling a rash of injuries, including one to star running back Cody Getz.

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NCAAF Team Report - Air Force - NOTES, QUOTES

--Air Force is the only team in the FBS that has not allowed a quarterback sack this season (74 attempts). The Falcons have not given up a sack in eight of their last nine games, dating back to Nov. 12, 2011 vs. Wyoming.

--The Falcons are one of two Mountain West teams to have scored 20 or more points in every game this season. The other is Friday night's opponent, Nevada, which has scored 31 or more points in all eight games in 2012.

--Air Force has rushed for at least 230 yards in 11 straight games.

SERIES HISTORY: First meeting between Nevada and Air Force.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The big key here is the injured ankle of star RB Cody Getz. Getz, left the team's Oct. 13 win at Wyoming with a sprained left ankle, tried to go in last week's 28-23 win over New Mexico but left after re-injuring it and is questionable for Friday night's game. That will put more of the load on fifth-year senior quarterback Conner Dietz who ranks sixth in the Mountain West in total offense (166.7 yards per game) and has yet to throw an interception in 69 attempts this season.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Falcons gave up 409 yards rushing last week against a New Mexico squad that was down to its third-string quarterback in the second half and had to use the Wildcat offense much of the contest. Now here comes Nevada's high-powered Pistol offense led by the nation's top rusher in junior Stefphon Jefferson (156.0 yards per game) and talented sophomore QB Cody Fajardo. Nevada has scored at least 31 points in all eight games this year. The Falcons will be lucky to hold them to that figure.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We'll have to move some players around this week. Some players will have to assume more responsibility." -- Air Force coach Troy Calhoun on getting his battered squad ready on a short week for high-scoring Nevada.

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NCAAF Team Report - Air Force - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

THIS WEEK'S GAME: Nevada at Air Force, Oct. 26 -- This is the first meeting between the Mountain West newcomer Wolf Pack and the Falcons. It figures to be a chilly one with temperatures in the low 30's for the Friday night kickoff but both teams have the kind of offenses to warm things up. Nevada leads the Mountain West in total offense (541.1 yards per game) while Air Force is No. 2 (463.6). The game features two of the nation's top backs in the Wolf Pack's Stefphon Jefferson, who leads the nation with an average of 156.0 yards per game, and Air Force's Cody Getz, who is No. 4 at 132.6 yards per game. Getz is questionable, though, with a nagging ankle injury.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Run defense. The Falcons were shredded for 409 yards rushing by New Mexico's option and Wildcat attack last week. Now they face a Nevada offense that features the nation's top rusher in hard-running Stefphon Jefferson who has run for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. If the Falcons can't slow Jefferson down, it will be a long night.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

LB Alex Means -- The senior outside linebacker from Mankato, Minn., earned Mountain West defensive player of the week honors on Monday for his performance in the Falcons' 28-23 win over New Mexico during which he returned an interception 65-yards for a touchdown and took part in a key late fourth down stop.

QB Conner Dietz -- Has been efficient running Air Force's triple-option attack. He's rushed for 459 yards and but more impressively has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 708 yards, 5 TDs and zero interceptions.

LB Austin Niklas -- The senior leads the Mountain West in tackles (10.1 per game) and is tied for third with three forced fumbles.

ROSTER REPORT

--RB Cody Getz, who ranks fourth in the nation in rushing with an average of 132.6 yards per game, is doubtful with a sprained left ankle.

--QB Connor Dietz left the New Mexico game with a laceration to his hand but later returned.

--FB Broam Hart (broken hand) is out indefinitely.

--C Austin Hayes left the New Mexico game with a knee injury and is out. Senior guard Jordan Eason moved to center and junior David Lore moved into Eason's spot.